"Thomas Griffiths, my maternal great grandfather, was born on 22nd September, 1852, at Pantyfer, Llangathen, but it took me three years to discover that. Why? Read on!
His parents were Benjamin (farmer) and Mary (formerly Evans). Benjamin, yes, I knew that, but Mary! Mary who? I thought his mother was Rachel! After all, he was living with them in the 1871 census, and so was his paternal grandmother, Margaret (a widow by then - born in Llanfynydd circa 1787 - maiden name possibly Jenkins). They were together in 1851 and 1881. I searched and searched for them on the 1861 census, only to discover through 1837online.com that the 1861 records of Llandeilofawr have been lost to us in their entirety! So, continuing to search for the birth of Thomas Griffiths with father Benjamin and mother Rachel was difficult because there were several Rachel's born in Llangathen circa 1811.
Eventually, I discovered that Rachel's maiden name was Watkin and she was his second wife. Ah! That explained why I could not find Thomas's birth date - I had been looking for the wrong mother! At Llandeilo Parish Church on 21st November, 1851, Benjamin Griffiths married Mary Evans of Ffairfach, daughter of John Evans (butcher). Butcher? Was that why there had always been a 'family story' that the Griffiths family owned a butcher's shop in Ffairfach? However, I am not able to substantiate this story.
I traced Benjamin and Rachel's marriage to Capel Isaac, Independent Chapel, on 4th June, 1861. Mary must have died soon after Thomas's birth, as he was the only child, but I have not been able to trace her death in Llandeilofawr.
In the 1891 census Benjamin and Rachel were listed as living in Ffairfach, but where in Ffairfach? Looking at the addresses of their neighbours, the houses are listed as Ffairfach Farm, Gas House, Abercunnen (?) House, Torbay, Ty Mebyon(?), Railway Cottage, Station House and Rock Villas. If some of these properties are still so named it should be possible to obtain a fair idea of where they lived. But a visit to Ffairfach looking for these house names proved fruitless.
I move back one generation to Thomas (senior), born 1795, and his wife, Margaret. They lived at 'Bryn Ifor', a farm east of Capel Isaac. Thomas was a farmer, with 40 acres. Thomas (senior) died in 1867, aged 72. His occupation was given as a farm labourer and not as a farmer. Interesting - had he had to sell his farm or had he only rented it previously and been evicted - another mystery to solve! As yet, I have been unable to trace Margaret's death.
Rachel died in 1859, aged 81, at Ffairfach. Thomas (junior) moved to work in Swansea and married Margaret Lloyd in 1878. By 1898 she had borne him nine children! Benjamin died in February 1898 at his son's home and tragically, Margaret died just nineteen days later, leaving Thomas a widower, struggling to cope with a large family.
What of the Griffiths family today? The majority of us live in Swansea. Have I any relatives in Carmarthenshire? I don't know. However, I have several lines of enquiry to follow up, so who knows what might emerge?"
Janet M. Neilson
your comments
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Pat Norton from Cardiff
My grandfather was Thomas Griffiths from Swansea, Printing Compositor. He married Eleanor Barnicoat from Monmouth. She died in childbirth and he moved to Cardiff with his eldest daughter Mary Griffiths (my grandmother)
Tue May 19 17:16:13 2009
Marie Steele
It's quite remarkable to be reading some of these stories and recognising we share the same ancestors. The Griffiths family!
We go back to Tre-Wern Farm, nr Llansadwn, Carms, with William Griffiths 1772-1866 and his wife Anne 1775-1848. The Williams grave is in Talley Church yard (on L adjacent to church).
William went to live with his daughter Sarah 1800-1881 at Llwyncelyn, nr Llansadwn. Sarah was married to David Davies 1797-1865. Off-spring: Joshua Davies 1840-1919 (born Llwyncelyn) who married Rachel Richards 1838-1911 of Cwmbyr, Talley. They had three children: My great-gran, Mary Davies, Elizabeth and Rachel.
My great-gran made the move to Swansea around 1890, but returned to Talley a widow with her children when her husband died. My father's cousin researched much of our ancestry at Aberystwth as well as locally.
I remember Miss Neilson used to teach me music at primary school; what a small world.
Tue May 19 15:47:33 2009
Nicola Andrews
My family owned a farm in Capel Isaac in Llandelio my grandfather name was Isaac Matthews I am also trying to find as much information as I can regarding my family tree...
Tue Mar 24 17:31:08 2009
Nitin Hugh Griffiths London
hi....I'm Nitin Griffiths, son of Thomas Hugh Griffiths who served the army during world war 1..married in india to Sarah, I'm half Welsh, half Indian - looking to find my family....any cousins, aunties, uncles, in Swansea or Cardiff.
Tue Mar 24 17:26:28 2009
Sharon Meek Winchester
I am researching the Thomas family from Llanelli...Parents Lewis Thomas born Llangendeirne, wife Mary Ann Mathews, their children were William 1872, Edward 1875, Lewis 1878, Hannah 1880, Harriet A 1882, Henry 1884, Selina 1888, Elizabeth 1890 would love to hear from anyone with a connection to this family.
Tue Mar 24 16:45:17 2009
Tammie
I am looking for maiden name of Margaret Jane Griffiths formerly from the area. She was married to John Griffiths. They had 3 sons and 1 daughter Myra, my grandmother. Unable to find anything else. Have been trying for information for a very long time. Myra came to B.C. Canada in 1930.
Tue Mar 24 16:10:21 2009
Brian Griffiths - Pontardawe
My great, great, great grandfather was a David Griffiths, a blacksmith born in Llandybie within the Llandeilo Fawr District.
He had four children, Isaac, David, Daniel and Sarah by his wife Llettis. She may have been married previously to someone with the surname Thomas as there are three step children in the household with that surname. Any more information would be a great help.
Tue Mar 24 15:50:41 2009
Dede Hopkins, USA
My grandmother, Olwen Griffiths was from Swansea. I have her birth certificate coming today so I will finally have the names of her parents. She was one of nine children from Swansea and Neath. Her sister Agnes and her husband, Fred Stockham, ran the Stockham Royal Bakery in Neath. I don't have all their names yet, but Grandma's siblings were William M., Agnes, Morfydd, Marian and Tal - I haven't been able to name the rest yet.
I also know that they owned a tailor shop in the Neath or Swansea area. Tal Griffiths lived at 4 Crown Street, Swansea in a home named Rhoslyn. I am desperately seeking his family - they still live in that area. A picture of the house would be greatly appreciated.
His only daughter, Vera, married Daniel Davies and had children named Glanville, Clive, Keri (male) and Andrea. Vera and Daniel were teachers and lived in Langland Bay. The children should all be alive. I also have a great deal of facts on the Grifiths family back several generations.
Fri Mar 6 12:07:23 2009
Mike Griffiths from Bristol
I have looking at my family from my father, Thomas Henry Griffiths, born London 1910, and his uncle also Called Thomas Henry who fought in the Boar Wars in South Africa. The thing that struck me was that the photo above bears a striking resemblance to my dad.
Thu Feb 26 12:23:45 2009
Sharon Winchester
I have traced my grandfather's family back to Talley, Carmarthenshire, starting with William Griffiths 1810 farmer, then his son David, who became a blacksmith, his son Thomas a master blacksmith and my grandfather Thomas. Would love to hear from anyone with a connection.
Mon Feb 9 14:07:43 2009
Ian Griffiths
I am another Swansea Griffiths. My Grandfather Edwin born in February 1890. Served in the Welsh regiment in WW1. I believe the familly came from East Swansea. His trade on leaving the army shown as being a nickel finisher. Unfortunately I know nothing more of his family.
Fri Apr 4 09:44:17 2008
david William Griffiths
But a visit to Ffairfach looking for these house names proved fruitless. I presume you went to the Ffairfach near Trapp. Ffairfach Farm was still there in April 2007. It is opposite an old duck pond which is overgrown now. I was born nearby at Glynhir Uchaf Farm, Glynhir Road, which is now Llandeilo golf course.
Mon Feb 11 08:59:32 2008
Herbie Long from Taplow
I'm endeavouring to find my ancestor Hugh Griffiths, birth details from c1780. He joined the HEICS as a cadet but chose not to give his family details. He retired as a Colonel after marrying twice-in India and S.Africa. He returned to Bath but died in 1856 at E.Woodhay, Hants, at Burley Lodge - which I have visited.
Fri Feb 8 10:49:37 2008
Alice Morris of Western Australia
Hi Helene, the name you can't decipher is most likely to be Gwenllian, which was a common name in South Wales.
Fri Feb 8 10:38:49 2008
Sharon (winchester)
I have been researching the Griffiths side of my Family Tree, within Carmarthenshire. I have managed to trace back five generations, starting with my grandfather Thomas O Griffiths, great grandfather John Griffiths (blacksmith) Owen Griffiths (Master Blacksmith)and his mother Alice Griffiths. As yet not been able to trace her husband. They came from Llanarthney and surrounding areas. Could there be a connection?
Mon Jan 21 09:09:22 2008
David Jones, Maesybont
Re the 1891 Census and Ffairfach, you mention propeties named Torbay and Ty Mebyon. A property dating from the late 1700's is called Ty Melyn and is located next door to the Torbay Inn in Heol Cennen, Ffairfach.
Wed Jan 9 11:20:42 2008
Sharon Goodwin
I have a marriage certificate from my husband's past which is:Henry Griffiths married to Elizabeth Clark in 1912 province of Ontario at East Civillirubury on the 7th day of 1912. Witness are Elizabeth Clark and Joseph Clark by Archibald Mcneill minister. This is my husband's great uncle if you can connect these please let me know.
Tue Jan 8 12:23:09 2008
Stepheny Palmer Driffield
I was born a Griffiths in Eastbourne. My dad is Roger Griffiths and Grandfather is Fred Griffiths don't know if there is any connection?
Fri Jan 4 16:52:11 2008
David Riley from Birkenhead
My mothers maiden name was Margrette Griffiths from Neston on the Wirral. I met my grandfather when I lived in Neston for a while my Aunty Mim and Uncle John I knew better, but I now find myself wanting to know more of my Griffiths side of which I know my cousin names were John and Jeanette Jones.
Mon Dec 31 11:09:43 2007
Steve Adams, Sheffield
I have ancestors who manned the Llandebie toll gate circa 1842 at the time of the Rebbeca riots. They were David and Hannah Griffiths. Any relation?
Mon Dec 31 11:08:24 2007
Helene Griffiths, Adelaide, Sth Australia
I am researching my family and have reached a block in relation to Thomas Griffiths who was in Sth Australia in the early 1840's - possibly born about 1808. Thomas died here in 1859...His children being William, Davey, Thomas, Major, Griffiths, Elizabeth, Richard. In his will he also named daughters Anna and Gwerallian (almost indeciperable, so the spelling is a guess). The second given name Major was repeated two generations later when a child Donald Major Maelgwynne Griffiths was born. Does the name Major have any connection with your research?
Tue Dec 4 10:18:32 2007
Edward - Hove
My maternal grandfather, John Griffiths, came from the Mumbles late-1800s/early-1900s to live with (second) wife Martha in Newport, Mon. I know little else about this side of my family other than that they're related perhaps through marriage to Watkins and Pomfreys, and possibly O'Mahonys (O'Marneys?).
Wed Nov 21 09:25:01 2007
Jane from Glamorgan
(website team: re Sara's question about the the connection with the Griffiths/Jenkins families - further down in this list of emails - Jane replied with this email.)
I have some history of Jenkins family Llanfyrnach Pembs, but not a lot regarding my Grandfather David Griffiths. I know his father was Griffith Griffiths who married Phoebe Thomas, and they lived in Glogue Pembs originally. Regards Jane.
Mon Nov 19 12:20:37 2007
Colin Griffiths, Cambridgeshire
My family originated in the Cynwyl Elfed area in Carmarthenshire. I believe John Griffiths was born there in 1723 and he married Ann David....Also would like info re the Lloyd and Evans family from Bwlchmelyn, Llangeler, Carmarthen.
Wed Oct 24 09:38:03 2007
Martyn Griffiths from Neath Abbey
Sue Welham's ancestor, Rachel Mainwaring, was the daughter of Isaac. He was tried in 1843 at Carmarthen Winter Assizes with pulling down a toll-house (Rebecca Riots). His brother Daniel and Uncle Thomas were also tried and all were aquitted. The trial transcript makes interesting reading.
Wed Oct 17 12:29:18 2007
Johns Swansea
My great, great grandfather David Griffiths was employed as a coachman by Lord Dinefwr's estate. His widow Elizabeth is buried at Llandyfeisant Chuchyard. It appears only staff were buried here. She died on Nov. 27 1877 age 69. Unforunately,I have been unable to secure details of his death or burial record. Their children were Charlotte 8/9/39, Sarah 8/10/41, Phillip 26/3/43, and Edwin 9/8/46, Elizabeth Anne 25/2/49. I understand that in adulthood Edwin was employed by LLoyd's bank. Is anone able to offer any information in respect of the above family.
Mon Oct 15 11:19:54 2007
Celia Doyle, Carmarthen
My grandfather was David Thomas, born 1864 and I am a decendent of the Thomas family from Ffairfach. I have many things to tell Janet but the main one is about the 1861 Llandilofawr Census. It is true the first few pages of the census were damaged and "lost" and unfortunately these were the pages for the Ffairfach area but the remainder of the census for Llandeilo town is intact.
I have been able to trace many of my grandfather's uncles, aunts, and cousins who were living there. May I suggest that she widens her search to include other members of the family who may have lived in the town. From here she can work up to the 1901 census and hopefully the present day.
Mon Jul 16 11:30:29 2007
Nesta Griffiths, Swansea
I too have been searching for Llandilo-Vawr details, my Great Grandfather Rees Howells was born there c.1880 or rather the administrative area of Llandebie, Llandilo-Vawr. My husband's Grandfather was Thomas Henry Griffiths born c.1880 but I'm not sure where he was born, however,there was a Thomas Griffiths born in Llandilo fawr in 1880. Could Janet & I be connected???
Wed May 9 09:30:48 2007
Donald William Griffiths, Tenby Pembs.
My Grandfather was William George Griffiths
born 1835 at Gumfreston Nr.Tenby Pembs.
Died 1910 at Tenby. He was a carpenter. If this info is any use to Janet I am pleased.
Who knows,I may have Kin out there who I would like to meet.
Mon Feb 19 08:59:54 2007
Dean Evans from Porthcawl
My great great grandmother was Margaret griffiths who was born in Llanybri, the daughter of Evan Griffiths and Ann Williams who were married in Llanstephan Church in Nov 1830. Evan and Ann had other children besides Margaret. they were Ellin, William Thomas, John, Elizabeth and Mary (Griffiths)...
Tue Jan 23 08:56:51 2007
Myfanwy Evan Mattes, USA
My family reunion - The Griffiths Davis Reunion is held on the third Saturday of every August in Ohio. We cherish our Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandpa Grriffiths, originally from Carmarthen. Yvonne Yvonne Griffiths-Davis is long overdue a letter from me.......
Fri Jan 19 08:49:45 2007
Sue Welham Suffolk
I believe my great great aunt Rachel Maddy married a John Griffiths in the Breconshire area in around 1820's. They were living in Tregoyd, Glasbury, Breconshire in 1841.
My great grandmother was born in Llandeilofawr in 1848 at Penyfarm, Llandybie. She was a Rachel Mainwaring.
I don't know whether she had any Griffiths connections.
Mon Jan 15 09:18:56 2007
Jane - South Wales
Am searching for a Howell Griffiths son of David and ???Griffiths (my grandfather).
David was born in Hermon/Glogue Llanfyrnach Pembs. in 1852 and was a widower when he married my grandmother Elizabeth Jenkins in 1892. We don't know the name of David's first wife butwe think their son's name amy have been Howell and that he was believed to have gone to work in London. I have info. on the previous Griffiths and Jenkins if anyone thinks they could be connected to their searches.
Mon Dec 18 18:08:29 2006
Griffiths, Sara ( Swansea)
Hi there,
just seen your article...interesting...
I am Welsh with a german accent ...smile...( father: Welsh mum: German)
I am related to the Jenkins Family.
My Father is Barry Griffiths , my late grandfather Griffiths who married a. Jenkins...
Do we have any connection at all?
Kind regards,
S. Griffiths
Fri Dec 15 13:48:26 2006
Carey Griffiths Sheffield
Formerly of Aberdare, my father Noel Wynford Griffiths and his parents came from Abercynon.
Mon Oct 23 09:50:54 2006
Are you able to help Janet with her search? Send in your comments here.
